What key performance indicators should one consider when selecting a mass spectrometry imaging source?

When selecting an imaging ion source, it is advisable to check each of the six key criteria individually.

Firstly, spatial resolution. This determines how fine a detail you can see: for tissue sectioning, choose an MSI DPI in the 20–200 μm range; for single-cell heterogeneity, choose an MSI LDPI in the 2–3 μm range.

Secondly, non-polar discrimination capability. Traditional DESI favours polar molecules and may overlook non-polar components; the two new sources from Neo Source INSTRUMENT achieve full polar coverage through photoionisation followed by secondary ionisation, which is particularly crucial for non-polar systems such as lipids, terpenes and flavonoids.

Third, sensitivity and limit of detection. Consider the signal amplification factor and the lowest detectable concentration; DPI/LDPI produce signals 1–3 orders of magnitude stronger than their respective reference techniques, with cholesterol in mouse brain showing an approximately 205-fold increase.

Fourth, whether the method is matrix-free. MALDI requires matrix spraying, which introduces background noise and necessitates additional pre-treatment; DPI/LDPI do not require matrix spraying, saving time and ensuring a clean background.

Fifth, compatibility with instrument brands. Confirm whether the system is compatible with your existing Agilent, AB SCIEX or Thermo instruments to avoid having to replace the entire system.

Sixth, sample integrity and maintenance. Whether sections can undergo H&E histological staining after imaging, and whether the transfer tubes are easy to disassemble and clean, directly affect subsequent experiments and long-term running costs.

It is also important to prioritise: if your research focuses on non-polar lipids or single-cell distribution, resolution and non-polar discrimination should be your top priorities; if you simply wish to add imaging capabilities to your existing instrument whilst keeping costs under control, brand compatibility and the absence of a substrate (saving on pre-processing) are more critical. By prioritising specifications according to your specific scientific questions and then comparing them against the parameters of the two new sources from Ceyuan, you can quickly narrow down to the most suitable model and avoid being misled by marketing claims focusing solely on ‘highest resolution’ or ‘maximum sensitivity’.